I know that people gripe about the D600, when compared to the D700. Things like flash sync speed, build quality and feel always seem to come up. Also, I read about how people have sold their D700 to get a D600 (don't need 36 MP), only to regret their decisions - especially with the oil/dust spots.

Who honestly doesn't regret their decisions? I have a D700 with 12K clicks and looks mint, and I am happy with the camera - however, the D600 looks nice. Personally, I haven't really messed around with the D600 before, so I can't draw my own conclusions as to build compared to my 700.

One thing I will say that will ABSOLUTELY drive me crazy is the dust/oil. I dealt with the 1Ds for 2 YEARS and I ASSURE you it was the WORST magnet, so I sympathize with the D600 owners who have this issue. Seriously, it would sometimes take me 30 minutes to clone out all the dust in PS Never AGAIN!

I shoot mainly landscapes. I use no filters (have a Samyang 14mm), so increased DR would be nice.. AF is not really a need at the moment..

I did not move directly from a D700 to the D600, but I had a D700 a couple of years ago. I like the D600 much better for several reasons. But I think it comes down to are OK with cleaning the sensor if you have this problem? If yes, then no problem go for it. If you are someone who would never clean their own sensor then you probably want to wait.

Had a D700 for a period last summer, along with my D7000. Never really loved the D700, but it was small stuff (lack of two card slots, and a shutter that seemed much louder than I was used to). Sold the D700, kept the D7000 until two months ago when I picked up the D600. I do have dust issues, but they really don't bother me. I sum, I like what I'm shooting. Just received the Sigma 35MM 1.4, and loving it on the D600.

I had the D700 and loved it. I switched to the D600 and felt significant improvement in IQ and noise performance. Other features that I found very useful are two-card slots, video, lightweight & its low-profile. I miss the 8FPS, flash sync cord and somehow better button placement and controls.

The D700 is my backup camera (main being D800). I considered replacing it with the D600, but once I handled it in the store, I ruled that out. Once you're used to the handling of the D700/D800 which fit my hand like a glove, I find it hard to back to any smaller device. No question the D600 sensor is better though than the D700. For your landscapes it may be fine - if the camera sits on a tripod then the size and handling and buttons won't matter much.

The D700 is a really great camera, I know I sure loved mine. But the D600 is definitely a step up, and the extra Dynamic Range, the better High ISO handling, sure will of a great benefit to you.

As to the dust/oil on the sensor with the D600, remember, from all accounts it's a temporary issue. It's one that goes away after about 3000 shots. And since Nikon has acknowledged the issue, I wonder if they have made adjustments in the assembly of the D600's now, so perhaps if you buy a new one, the dust is not still a current issue?

I will say that my using layer masks as I process my shots is cut down probably 75% with the D600 compared to amount of work I would I would typically do when I was processsing my D700 shots. I think for anyone, that in itself would make it worth the purchase.

What I wish the D600 had (that I miss from my D700)
-feels "better" in my hand
-magnesium alloy lens mount
-meter bar on top LCD
-flip switch to close up the VF for those long exposures

However, these are no big deal compared to what you get. You get a FANTASTIC D.R. that allows a huge amount of leeway in post processing. Ever since I got the D600, most of my Grad ND's have stayed in the bag since I can easily manipulate them in post. With the D700, I could never do that.

In addition to what everybody else said regarding advantages of the D600, I think the live-view implementation is much better. If you want to confirm critical focus for scapes, it's so much easier on the D600 with the dedicated button and the still/video toggle. The IR remote capability is great too, as it can be instant, 2s delay, or tied to MLU, in a tiny package costing under $20.

I'll play the other side of the coin. I really tried to like the D600. I was using 5DmkII for a while and thought, sweet, finally a higher resolution Nikon that wont break the banka and my computer at the same time. Then after playing with one on several occasions. I really thought about how good the D700 has been for me. reliablity and speed. I never once said " I wish this camera had XX" other than video which my D7000 has plenty for my use. I've never been into landscapes where i'm sure DR can be critical. I'm more of a speed first, reliablity, easy files to work on, and quickly. Most importantly for me was the controls. The very same control issues I hate about the D7000 I find int he D600. Better sensor doesn't equal better images for me. a dual card slot does nto give me better images. Do I wish my D700 had 24mp and Dual card slots? yes of course. But I have yet to be in a scenario in which those 2 things have kept me from achieving what I want.

RDParker wrote:
What did you see? I think it's the same viewfinder as the D800, except with the square eye cup.

I am also interested in this response, but I think he means the AF cluster. I tried both in the store with a 24-70 f/2.8 and have owned both and the viewfinders are identical other than the AF point spread. You can even convert the square D600 viewfinder into a round one like the D800.